Skilled Trades
30 articles
AI Robotics in Skilled Trades Raise Ethical Questions for 2026
In a German factory, a single AI-powered robotic arm now completes intricate welding tasks that once required five skilled welders, finishing the work in half the time with zero defects (Manufacturing
Ethical AI in skilled trades training: Challenges and future
The U.S. faces a daunting shortage of 500,000 skilled trade workers, a gap projected to widen with AI's rise. Yet, the very AI tools designed to fill these roles are introducing biases and privacy ris
US Skilled Labor Gap: Vocational Training Programs Fall Short
For every person who has finished a relevant training program, there are about three skilled-trade job openings, according to HR Dive .
Canada's women in skilled trades inclusivity strategies are failing.
Despite a 2018 federal budget allocation of $20 million over five years for women in trades, the overall representation of women in Canadian trades has barely budged, increasing from 3.
US government funding vocational training to combat 2026 skilled trades shortage.
As of July 1, federal Workforce Pell Grants are now available for eligible short-term training programs.
UK youth shun degrees for skilled trades amid AI job fears.
Despite graduates earning £11,500 more annually than non-graduates, a surprising 37% of UK Gen Z workers with degrees are shifting to blue-collar and skilled trade jobs.
Michigan's 2026 Skilled Trades Training Faces Growing Gap
Michigan is projected to face a staggering gap of 265,000 skilled trades workers by 2030, even as new training initiatives launch across the state.
Skilled Trades vs. University Degrees: The Workforce Development Shift Is Happening Now
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 can expect a total starting package of $57 an hour.
Ergonomic Practices for Skilled Trades: Prevent Injuries and Boost Efficiency
To prevent strain and injury, and maintain optimal hand function, tool handles like pliers or wire strippers must maintain a precise distance: 2.
Ontario, federal programs offer business, worker support
While a new Ontario program aims to place 250 people from underrepresented groups into skilled trades, the province's existing Employment Ontario services already supported over 693,000 Ontarians in t
Singapore's aging skilled trades struggle to attract young talent
In Singapore, the median age of a craftsman hit 56, according to Straitstimes .
Mentorship Programs Crucial for Canada's Retiring Tradespeople
By the end of this decade, Canada alone projects 700,000 skilled trades workers will retire, creating a massive void that current training pipelines are struggling to fill.
AI Adoption Creates Skilled Trades Jobs, Defying Expectations
At a major manufacturing plant, a maintenance technician now receives an alert on her tablet predicting a critical pump failure three weeks in advance, a task that once required daily manual checks an
Ontario invests $2.6M in Mohawk College for skilled trades training
In Hamilton, over $2.
Women in Skilled Trades Face High Attrition Rates
For carpenters, a staggering 70% of women cancel their apprenticeship agreements.
Delaware County Community College seeks skilled trades instructors
Delaware County Community College is pushing to bolster its skilled trades programs across four key locations, calling for instructors with a decade or more in their craft and availability for both da
Mentorship bridges generational gap in skilled trades, securing future workforce.
Only 38% of Gen Z respondents see skilled trades as offering the best job prospects today.
Meta's Program Addresses Skilled Trades Shortage
In just seven days, Meta's Level-Up fiber installation training program received an astonishing 35,000 applications.
Tradeswomen Surge: Women Reshaping Construction & Skilled Trades
The number of tradeswomen in construction and extraction occupations surged by 77.
Organizations Expand Trades Training to Meet Skilled Labor Demand
Since 2018, The Home Depot Foundation's partnerships alone have certified over 70,000 participants in skilled trades, highlighting a massive, accelerating push to fill critical labor gaps.
AI in skilled trades: New opportunities, not just jobs lost
Since late 2022, demand for robotics technicians has spiked an astonishing 107%, directly contradicting the widespread fear that AI would eliminate manual jobs.
Michigan's economic boom fuels urgent demand for skilled trades
New members joining Iron Workers Local 25 start with a $57 an hour package, including upward mobility and guaranteed pensions, according to The Detroit News .
Meta's America's Workforce Academy Trains Tradespeople for New Tech
In its first seven days, Meta and CBRE's LevelUp fiber technician training program received 35,000 applications for just 1,000 openings.
Victoria ISD's CTE program builds skilled trades pipeline
During the 2025-26 school year, Victoria ISD students earned 1,184 industry-based certifications, establishing a robust pipeline for skilled trades.
July jobs slump: Skilled trades face deeper chill
In July, the US economy added a mere 187,000 jobs.
Lowe's Foundation Invests $34 Million in Skilled Trades Training
Since 2023, the Lowe's Foundation has poured over $34 million into Gable Grants, spearheading a national effort to rebuild America's skilled trades workforce.
Hopewell High Invests $1.2M in Vocational Tool Kits
For years, Hopewell High School's welding students learned on equipment older than their parents.
Metallica's foundation invests millions in skilled trades training
In its eighth year, Metallica's All Within My Hands Foundation is investing over $3.
AI Training for Trades Workers: A Path to Economic Resilience
Microsoft and the North America's Building Trades Unions (NABTU) offer free AI literacy courses and credentials to millions of skilled trades workers across North America.
Nvidia CEO: AI boom creates six-figure jobs for skilled trades
Jacob Palmer, an electrician, grossed nearly $90,000 in 2024 and is projected to hit six figures in 2025, according to fortune.